6.6 Programme F – Information Technology, Engagement and Research

6.6 Programme F – Information Technology, Engagement and Research Delivery, Organisation requirements

High Level Goal: To provide essential support for the delivery of the Department’s strategic objectives.

Figure from page 33

Information Technology, Engagement and Research Delivery, Organisation Indicative Annual Allocations

Programme F- Information Technology, Engagement and Research Delivery, Organisation requirements *
2026	2027	2028	2029	2030
€31m	€50m	€50m	€50m	€50m

*All funding is indicative and subject to annual Estimates process; rounding may affect totals. Programme Summary

Advanced Traffic Management Advanced traffic management is a system of technologies that uses real-time data, intelligent algorithms, and communication to improve road safety and efficiency, and to reduce congestion. It involves a centralized control hub that integrates various subsystems - such as sensors, cameras, and adaptive traffic signals - to make dynamic adjustments and optimise traffic flow for drivers and pedestrians. Unlike traditional systems, advanced systems are very dependent on vehicle communications and use of sensors, as well as data collection and management techniques. Key elements are data collection, data analysis, dynamic control, and integrated systems.

Advance traffic management is a core component of ITS, the implementation of the ITS Directive, and the implementation of Connected and autonomous vehicles, particularly in urban areas. It includes adaptive and connected traffic signals, CCTV monitoring, and variable messaging signs (roadside, in-vehicle). Benefits include improved safety, reduced congestion, and increased efficiency.

Connected and Autonomous Vehicles Connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) are vehicles that use a combination of sensors, artificial intelligence, and wireless communication to drive themselves and interact with their surroundings. They can connect to other vehicles, infrastructure, and the cloud to improve safety by preventing collisions, reducing congestion, and optimising traffic flow. The ‘connected’ aspect involves communication for elements like map and software updates, while ’autonomous’ refers to the vehicle’s ability to drive without human input. Ultimately, CAV is a fusion of vehicles and civil infrastructure for which road safety and ITS are key enablers.

CAVs are already appearing on our roads. Implementation is based on implementing roadside and cloud based digital infrastructure and the connections to vehicles in a secure and safe manner. Supporting structures will also need to be put in place in relation to testing, collisions, and road data. Much of this will align with the requirements of the ITS Directive and other international legislation.

Digital Hub The Department consolidated all digital and ICT functions into one business unit in 2024, and this ‘Digital Hub’ is tasked with driving the Department’s ambitious digital transformation plan for its citizen services.

The Department administers Motor Tax (collection of circa €1bn in tax receipts annually) and the registration of change of vehicle ownership (processing over 1 million ownership change requests and issuances of new registration certificates each year), as well as providing the IT infrastructure that underpins the issuing of driver licences and record keeping of penalty points. The expenditure will support transformation projects in these customer services, including the digitalisation required to remove the need for paper discs in vehicle windscreens and the expansion of the online change of vehicle ownership service.

The Department is also working with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to ensure all appropriate driver and vehicle services are aligned to the Life Events programme of work under the Better Public Services initiative. This includes participation in Digital Government Wallet. Underneath the customer facing services, the Department will continue to invest in the technology refresh programme needed to move away from legacy software, including the movement to cloud where appropriate. An improved cyber security posture is also central to the technology changes being implemented, as is the deployment of a new data analytics platform which allows for advanced analytics and the Department’s AI proof of concepts. • Process Automation programme – the Department is reviewing manual processes to determine where efficiencies can be gained by digitising them and introducing automation where appropriate. • Business application developments - working with all Department Divisions in modernising legacy business applications to facilitate migration to digital systems to allow integration with citizen portals and access to online systems. • Expanded use of cloud technology to enable collaboration with external parties/agencies. • Cyber Security - ensuring that all digital solutions meet the ever-demanding requirements in the cyber security environment. This will require annual investment in resources and technology and ensuring that the applications are used securely and in compliance with various governance obligations, including Data Protection/GDPR. • The Department is working with the OGCIO and the Road Safety Authority on development of a life events portal and digital wallet that would include a digital driving licence and other Departmental legal certificates currently issued in paper format.

• Multi-annual technology refresh programme that is critical to ensure that all Departmental IT systems are operating at maximum capacity, are resilient, have increased scalability, and keep pace with industry standards, including legal obligations.

Intelligent Transport Systems Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) refer to the application of technologies, communication, and information systems to transportation, making them safer, more efficient, and more sustainable. ITS encompasses a broad range of technologies and applications, including traffic management, public transport management, and vehicle safety systems. Much work and expenditure in relation to ITS relates to physical and civil infrastructure deployment and maintenance.

ITS delivery under the NDP is not only based on implementation of the ITS Directive requirements but also supporting EVs (e.g. ZEVI), Integrated Ticketing, and CAVs/Road Safety. This is based on implementing supporting structures but also on a National Access Point and implementing improved and new process to support ITS Services.

Appendix A – Road Projects to be advanced for future construction

Project	Approving Authority	Sponsoring Agency	Current Stage of Project Lifecycle	Next Approval Gate
N2 Rath Roundabout to Kilmoon Cross	TII	Meath County Council	Pre-AG1	AG1
N11 Junction 4 to 14 Project	TII	Wicklow County Council	Pre-AG1	AG1
N15 Sligo to County Boundary	TII	Sligo County Council	Pre-AG1	AG1
N22 Macroom to Ovens	TII	Cork County Council	Pre-AG1	AG1
N24 Waterford to Cahir	TII	Kilkenny County Council	Pre-AG1	AG1
N25 Carrigtwohill to Midleton	TII	Cork County Council	Pre-AG1	AG1
N25 Waterford to Glenmore	TII	Kilkenny County Council	Pre-AG1	AG1
N52 Tullamore to Kilbeggan	TII	Westmeath County Council	Pre-AG1	AG1
N59 Clifden to Maam Cross	TII	Galway County Council	Pre-AG1	AG1
Bypass / Relief Road Programme (e.g. Athlone, Claregalway, Thurles, Ballina)	TII/DoT	Various	Pre-AG1	AG1
Carlow Southern Relief Road	DoT	Carlow County Council	Pre-AG1	AG1
Cork City Northern Transport Project	TII	Cork City Council	Pre-AG1	AG1
Cork Southern Ring Road (TEN-T)	TII	Cork City Council	Pre-AG1	AG1
Shannon Airport Access Road	TII	Clare County Council	Pre-AG1	AG1

Appendix B –List of Acronyms

Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation	AFIR
Approval Gate	AG
Aids to Navigation	AtoN
Climate Action Plan	CAP
Connected and Autonomous Vehicles	CAVs
Commissioners of Irish Lights	CIL
Commission for Railway Regulation	CRR
East Coast Railway Infrastructure Protection Projects	ECRIPP
Environmental Protection Agency	EPA
Electric Vehicle	EV
Heavy Duty Vehicle	HDV
Internal Combustion Engine	ICE
Infrastructure Manager Multi-Annual Contract	IMMAC
Intelligent Transport Systems	ITS
Land Development Agency	LDA
National Cycle Network	NCN
National Competitiveness and Productivity Council	NCPC
National Development Plan	NDP
National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland	NIFTI
National Planning Framework	NPF
National Roads 2040	NRA2040
National Transport Authority	NTA
Pavement Condition Survey Indicator	PCSI
Public Service Obligation	PSO
Shared Island Fund	SIF

Sustainable Mobility Policy	SMP
Transport Appraisal Framework	TAF
Trans-European Transport Network	TEN-T
Transport Infrastructure Ireland	TII
Transport Orientated Development	TOD
Zero-Emission Heavy Duty Vehicle Purchase Grant Scheme	ZEHDV
Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland	ZEVI

Figure from page 40

Prepared by the Department of Transport November 2025 | gov.ie